The Court's Role in Child Support

Child Support Legal Process

California child support services are governed by various sections of the California Family Codeincluding sections 17000 and thereafter. State regulations that operate the child support program can be found in Title 22, California Code of Regulations sections 110000 and thereafter, available on the Internet at www.calregs.com.

Alleged FatherA man who is not yet legally determined as the child’s father.

ComplaintA complaint is defined as the formal written document filed in a court whereby the person initiating the action sets for the names of the parties, the allegations, and the request for relief sought. The initial pleading is sometimes called the petition.

ObligeeThe person receiving child support.

ObligorThe person ordered to pay child support.

StipulationAn agreement between the parties to an action. All Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) Agency stipulations are submitted to the court. The court generally accepts the terms of the agreement and makes an order.

Service of Process“Service of Process” is defined as the delivery of a writ or summons to the party to whom it is directed for the purpose of obtaining jurisdiction over that party and providing notice.

SummonsThe summons notifies the alleged obligor that a lawsuit has been filed against him/her and advises the alleged obligor of their rights.